Journal of the mental environment
Little-guy capitalism
One company sticks up for the mom-and-pop shops in an attempt to save our communities.
- Tue, 17 Jun 2008 11:49 am — Posted by Lauren
- | 3 comments
Consumer columnist Rob Walker of the New York Times shares how one company is trying to keep small businesses alive:
Destee Nation is not selling nostalgia or hipster kitsch but romance — the romance of the American small business, the neighborhood diner, the old bar, the mom-and-pop shop that has managed to linger into the era of big-box chains. Morgan celebrates little-guy capitalism with an agenda: “Let’s keep it,” he says, noting that every time Destee Nation sells a T-shirt, the business it advertises gets a cut. Founded in 2004, the company now has 21 employees and sales approaching 10,000 T-shirts a month, and this month will begin distributing through a number of Nordstrom locations. “Basically,” Morgan says, “we’re using fashion as a way to save local landmarks.”
In fact, the company’s mission statement includes the assertion that supporting these businesses might “help keep the big-box brands one step further from taking over our communities.” Opposing big business by shopping always seems a little dissonant, but then the nature of the ideological statement here is entirely within the realm of commerce. Morgan says it’s more about being positive about small businesses with history and character than with being overtly negative (or “whiny”) about larger ones.
Comments
I love to see indy shops doing well. I hate all the chain store that look the same no matter which one your in. I love to see the indy shops and all the different ideas people put into them.
Here in Tujunga, Ca Home Depot is trying to buy an old k-mart store, but the people of tujunga and local Sunland area have protested, given out bumper sticker as far as new york! Been on radio and news airwaves. But even with all there might the city thought the local 5 hardware stores which were here before any of them were elected! Aren't worth as much as the payment they received from Home Depot Have given all the rights for home depot to be build. So in the end big box won but also spend some 1 million on liars... i mean lawyers, spokesmen, ad's, and renovations. sad to see such town symbols of american culture (Or whats left of it) go so menacingly fast.
Hope i've shed light on this,
Max V. Strawn
Great to see an indy shop doing well. I try to shop only at independent stores, I hate the monotony of chain stores. Meeting people and getting to know them through their shops is a great way to build communities, heck it's how most towns and villages started here in the UK and in the States.
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